It's been an unusually mild winter around the Northeast. Most Maine towns have been relatively snow-free but for a couple minor snowfalls. Compared to last winter, when it seemed like a never-ending snowstorm, this one has been a breeze.

So far.

Boothbay Harbor is no exception. People walking around the harbor on a recent late January day were in good spirits. Most had a ready smile and a positive greeting when they passed: “What a day, huh?”

“Beautiful day!”

“We've sure lucked out this winter!”

January isn't a usual time to come to Boothbay Harbor to take a leisurely stroll around town, take a boat trip or find a quiet place to sunbathe and swim.

Unlike the typical summer crowd who wander around, seemingly aimlessly, enjoying the sights and the warm ocean breezes, in January, everyone seems to have an agenda.

There are probably more shops and restaurants with “Closed for the Season” signs on their doors than not. But people from away who never consider coming to Boothbay Harbor in the off season may want to think again.

Though the town is relatively quiet and you won't find every place open for business, there are still a scattering of fun shops and good eating establishments to make the trip worthwhile. There are plenty of parking spaces, and enough places to go within easy walking distance, or a short drive from the center of town. Here's a list of places in town that are open all (or most of) the winter:

A Silver Lining – Fine jewelry

Alison Evans Ceramics

Baker's Way – Authentic Vietnamese food, baked goods

Boathouse Bistro

Boothbay Harbor Framers & Art Gallery

Boothbay House of Pizza

Boothbay Region Greenhouses

Cannery – Boutique, gifts

Capers Restaurant & Catering

China by the Sea - Chinese Restaurant

Coastal Maine Popcorn 

Enchantments – Metaphysical gifts

Eventide Specialties – Gourmet foods

Gleason Fine Art Gallery

Grover's Hardware 

Harbor Mart – Convenience store

Harbor Tech Solutions – Radio Shack, U.S. Cellular, Photo lab

Hometown Convenience – Pizza, sandwiches, sundries

House of Logan – Fine clothing

 Janson's Clothing

Mama D's Restaurant

McSeagull's Restaurant

Mel's Place Wood Fired Pizza

Mr. C's Restaurant

Mung Bean Gifts 

Oak Street Provisions – Fresh gourmet items, beer & wine

Palabra- Antiques, gifts and oddities 

Pier One Pizza & Pub

Red Cup Coffeehouse

Sadie Green's - Gifts, clothing, novelties 

Sherman's Books and Stationery

Thistle Inn & Restaurant 

Tigger Leather Silversmith - Handmade silver and leather creations

Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters

Waves Restaurant – formerly Ebb Tide

As most places listed have limited days and hours during the winter, it's a good idea to check their websites or call before you come.

It may not be as warm on a winter day as it is during the summer, but the water in the harbor is still and beautiful, and a walk across the footbridge is invigorating. So come on down for a full day of walking, shopping, eating and drinking. You’ll find plenty to do.

See more photos of places, open and closed, in Boothbay Harbor in January, in the photo album.